David Bahn – Reflections

Luke 8:51-56

And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. ⁵² And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” ⁵³ And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. ⁵⁴ But taking her by the hand he called, saying,“Child, arise.” ⁵⁵ And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.

I love this whole story (see the fuller context below). But it’s the final word to this little girl’s parents that intrigues me most. Jairus comes to Jesus pleading for him to heal his daughter who was dying. As Jesus goes he encounters a woman who secretly touches the hem of his cloak and is healed. As Jairus waits and worries (at least that’s what I would do in his case), Jesus takes the time to talk with this woman. While they are talking they are  informed that Jesus’ services won’t be needed. The little girl has died.

Jesus’ response to this is to call for faith – that the little girl will be well. After pushing through the crowd of mourners, allowing only Peter, John, and James, the mother and father to accompany him, Jesus takes the little girl by the hand and says, “Child arise.” Not only is the child healed, however, Jesus then instructs her parents to give her something to eat.

That last touch  is what intrigues me. Why did Jesus instruct them to give her something to eat? Perhaps it was simply medical advise. Maybe it was to prove that she was alive. It could be that she had suffered from a grave gastic disease and Jesus was showing the totality of her healing. On the other hand it could be simply that Jesus realized she needed food. And perhaps in the excitement of the miracle that might have been overlooked.

Jesus didn’t overlook people and all their needs. People matter to Jesus. That includes their physical wellbeing. As I look on to this scene, and reflect on these events, from the initial agreement to go heal this twelve year old girl, to the encounter with the woman along the way, to the instruction to the girl’s parents, I see a Savior who demonstrates God’s love and care for us all. No matter what we face or how challenging life may be Jesus’ touching concern for a little girl’s empty stomach gives me hope that he might care about all my needs as well.

Help me to live into that reality today, O God!

Luke 8:40-56

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. ⁴¹ And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, ⁴² for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. ⁴³ And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. ⁴⁴ She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. ⁴⁵ And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” ⁴⁶ But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” ⁴⁷ And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. ⁴⁸ And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

⁴⁹ While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” ⁵⁰ But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” ⁵¹ And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. ⁵² And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” ⁵³ And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. ⁵⁴ But taking her by the hand he called, saying,“Child, arise.” ⁵⁵ And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. ⁵⁶ And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.